Kerala govt to clear two months’ pending wages for handloom workers: Minister P. Rajeeve

Kerala’s Law, Industry and Coir Minister P. Rajeeve on Thursday said the State Handloom Conclave could mark the beginning of a major transformation in Kerala’s handloom sector. He was inaugurating the conclave at the RUBCO auditorium in Kannur.

The Minister announced that the government has decided to provide two-months’ wages from pending dues to handloom workers under cooperative societies. He said the conclave is being held to chart a roadmap for the sector till 2031.

An expert committee has been appointed for the comprehensive development of the handloom, coir and cashew sectors, which will recommend measures for diversification and modernisation based on its findings.

Kerala has 539 registered handloom cooperative societies, of which 159 are operating profitably, employing 13,500 workers. So far, ₹6,55.56 crore has been distributed in the sector, including ₹397.19 crore as wages. Of this, ₹220 crore has been paid since the current government assumed office, he said.

The Minister said suggestions emerging from the conclave would help design future schemes in areas such as digital marketing, modern design and responsible consumption.

Referring to the success of the school uniform project launched by the previous LDF government, Mr. Rajeev said it had revitalised the handloom sector and become a global model. The Kerala handloom ‘K Brand’ introduced on the recommendation of an expert committee has also opened the door for private participation and global recognition through innovation, he added.

MLA K.V. Sumesh presided over the event. Among those present were MLAs K.K. Shailaja and M. Vijin.